Austin, TX – In a joint partnership with the City of Austin, Daimler is launching its groundbreaking car2go pilot project in North America today. The innovative mobility concept makes city driving as easy as using a mobile phone. It offers Austin an easy, flexible, reasonably priced and progressive solution to the growing challenges of urban mobility. Austin becomes the official headquarters of car2go North America LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler. The first pilot phase starts with 200 smart fortwo vehicles and a defined group of users. At some point in 2010, the number of cars will be increased and car2go will be made accessible to all Austin residents and students.

The car2go system is straightforward. 200 smart fortwo vehicles are made available within the city for all registered car2go members. This fleet of vehicles can be accessed 24/7. After a one-time registration process, the customers can use the service on the spot by accessing any available vehicle on the street, or can book in advance through the online reservation process. One significant difference from traditional car-sharing programs is that car2go offers cars on demand and the customers may use the vehicle for as long as they like, without committing to a specific return time. Furthermore, car2go allows users to make one way trips. Charges are not based on distance, but on time – with rates starting by the minute.

“car2go is an innovative answer to current and future mobility needs in urban areas”, says Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “We are pleased with the success we achieved in Ulm, Germany – the first car2go city – and we are ready for the next logical step on our way to an international rollout.”

Austin becomes first international partner for car2go

The City of Austin is the first North American city to partner with car2go. This launch follows the successful implementation of the first car2go pilot in October 2008 in the southern German city of Ulm.

The 200 smarts of the first pilot are rented 500 to 1,000 times per day and they are used by 15,000 customers which equals more than 15 percent of the citizens who possess a driver’s license in Ulm. 90 percent of the participants take advantage of the unique offer to use car2go spontaneously without booking in advance and for one-way trips.

“The City of Austin is committed to identifying and implementing solutions to address the challenges associated with urban growth, mobility and environmental sustainability,” said Mayor Lee Leffingwell. “This pilot-program partnership between car2go and the City of Austin represents a significant step toward helping us alleviate congestion, reduce emissions and increase the use of public transportation.”

For the pilot, the pick up and drop off area is limited to the greater downtown Austin area which has an expansion of about 17 square miles where more than 60,000 employees work. The use of a car2go vehicle includes all city-controlled parking fees: No need to feed the meters! car2go is paying a usage fee to the City of Austin in the form of free driving minutes for employees driving on City business.

“Facilitating innovative transportation solutions is integral to the City of Austin’s goal of becoming the best-managed city in America,” said City Manager Marc Ott. “By promoting large-scale car sharing, we can help address mobility challenges in and around our urban core, ultimately reducing the burden on city center traffic and parking.”

How car2go will work in Austin

More than 13,000 city employees have the opportunity to use the smart vehicles not only for business but also for private use. Billing is handled with the same degree of simplicity and flexibility as every aspect of car2go – the rates are all-inclusive: fuel, maintenance, insurance, miles and parking. Competitive hourly or daily rates apply to longer rental periods. The trademark of car2go is its user friendly system, developed to meet and exceed the needs of customers. A car2go service team on the ground will handle daily maintenance of the vehicles. The service team will also ensure the vehicles are fueled and clean. If customers want to refuel the vehicles by themselves, they can use a pre-paid credit card found in the glove compartment of the car2go. The time for refueling the car will be credited to the customer with 10 minutes of free driving.

”The goal of the Austin pilot project is to gather experience we can use to ensure the public launch of car2go in North America in 2010 is successful,“ says Nicholas Cole, CEO of car2go North America LLC. “In the second phase we will increase the number of cars in Austin and open the service to the public. We are also talking to a large number of cities in North America and Europe about additional rollouts of car2go.”

The smart fortwo vehicles for the Austin pilot phase are provided by the smart USA Distributor LLC. The vehicle size and its maneuverability are perfect for car sharing programs in urban areas.

Visit car2go website.

car2go smart cars and City of Austin Team Up For On Demand Mobility is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Stuttgart / Hamburg, 16th November 2009 – The new Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid made its first appearance in its future operating location of Hamburg today. The exceptional feature of this latest-generation fuel cell hybrid bus is its outstanding environmental compatibility. The bus emits absolutely no pollutants while in motion, and it’s also virtually silent, making it ideal for use in highly congested inner cities and metropolitan areas. Beginning next year, no less than ten of the 30 vehicles that Daimler Buses is producing for European transport operators are destined for the Hamburg transport authority. In addition, Hamburger Hochbahn will take delivery of 20 Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL cars starting 2010, which are also equipped with a fuel cell drive system.

The Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid is taking part in large-scale fleet trials which are due to take place in Hamburg and other European cities. This is a follow-up to the European Union’s successful CUTE and HyFLEET:CUTE projects, which were carried out from 2003 to 2009. In the HyFLEET:CUTE project, a total of 36 Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses equipped with the second-generation fuel cell drive system have performed outstandingly for 12 public transport agencies on three continents, among them Hamburger Hochbahn AG. In more than 140,000 hours of operation, during which they covered a total of more than 2.2 million kilometers (1.37 million miles,) these environmentally compatible Mercedes-Benz buses have impressively demonstrated their ability to function reliably under operating conditions.

Intelligent use of synergies in the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors

“The new Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid clearly demonstrates that electric mobility is already feasible today also with commercial vehicles”, says Hartmut Schick, head of Daimler Buses. “Besides, synergy potentials with our Mercedes-Benz passenger car development and Daimler research can be optimally used in particular with the fuel cell drive system.”

For the Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid and the B-Class F-CELL, Mercedes-Benz successfully follows the cost-effective principle of using common parts. Components such as fuel cell stacks can be used as modules for both cars and commercial vehicles. For example: the new Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid bus is powered by two fuel cell systems of the same type used in the B-Class F-CELL. Thanks to improved fuel cell components and hybridization with lithium-ion batteries, the Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid consumes almost 50 percent less hydrogen compared to the preceding generation. The operating range of the fuel cell bus is around 250 kilometers (155 miles.) The fuel cell drive system is also practically maintenance-free, and has a long operating life.

The global initiative “Shaping Future Transportation” consolidates all the activities for sustainable mobility in the commercial vehicles sector at Daimler AG. The aim of this initiative is to use clean, efficient drive systems along with alternative fuels to realize zero-emission commercial vehicles for tomorrow’s transportation needs. “Shaping Future Transportation” means conserving resources and reducing emissions of all kinds, while ensuring the highest possible level of traffic safety. The Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid, developed with the support of the European Union, plays a major role in this.

Prof. Kohler, Vice President e-drive & Future Mobility at Daimler AG: “Our intensive research and development conducted since 1994 has enabled us to bring the fuel cell to series production maturity. This enables us to entrust two fully practical electric vehicles with battery-electric and fuel cell drive systems to our customers – the smart fortwo electric drive and the B-Class F-CELL. The main objective now is to achieve a competitive cost level in comparison with conventionally powered vehicles and to create a full infrastructure of electric and hydrogen filling stations in cooperation with energy providers and the petroleum industry.”

Large-scale project using fuel cell vehicles

In this large-scale project for the use of fuel cell technology in Hamburg, Daimler is cooperating with the city council as well as with Shell, Total und Vattenfall Europe. The aim is to accelerate the creation of an emission-free vehicle fleet and establish an appropriate infrastructure of hydrogen filling stations. The project is part of the Clean Energy Partnership in Hamburg and Berlin. It is being supported by the federal German government as part of the National Innovation Program for hydrogen and fuel cell technology (NIP).

As part of this cooperation, four public filling stations with hydrogen pumps are to be constructed in Hamburg, enabling fuel cell vehicles to be refuelled within minutes. Thanks to the high hydrogen pressure of 700 bar (10,152 psi,) their operating range will then exceed 400 kilometers (249 miles.) This large operating range will make locally emission-free fuel cell vehicles fully suited to long-distance operations.

Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid Bus and MB B-Class F-CELL Car Share Common Fuel Cell Technologies is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Daimler AG on October 8, 2009 announced that it selected the smart plant in Hambach, France, as the location for future series production of the smart fortwo electric drive. As of 2012, the highly innovative electric vehicle, equipped with the most modern lithium-ion-battery, will roll off the assembly line in large-scale production and will be offered to customers through the smart sales network. The announcement was made on the occasion of an official visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Hambach plant.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “The smart fortwo electric drive proves that emission-free driving in an urban environment is already feasible today. The initial series production will begin now with 1,000 vehicles, the first of which will be delivered to customers by the end of this year. As of 2012, the smart fortwo electric drive will then be part of the regular product program of the smart brand. With our decision to locate production here at the parent plant in Hambach, we are setting the course both for series production of electric vehicles and for the future of this highly innovative assembly plant.”

Daimler will invest a double-digit million euro amount at the Hambach plant for production of the next generation of the smart fortwo electric drive with lithium-ion-battery. During his visit, President Sarkozy announced that the French government will support the project through its PAT (Prime d’aménagement du territoire) program. Further support is to be extended by the Region Lorraine and the Département de la Moselle. Both these measures will comprise a total of 15 percent of the investment. The president was visiting the plant today to – amongst others – get a first-hand impression of environmentally compatible powertrains of the future.

In November 2009, the plant will start to produce a small series of about 1,000 units of the smart fortwo electric drive. In a first step, these vehicles will be provided to customers participating in various mobility projects in major cities in Europe and the U.S., in order to generate additional feedback from the use under everyday conditions.

As of 2012, the smart fortwo electric drive will be produced in significantly larger volumes as a regular part of the smart product portfolio and will be sold through the smart sales network. smart thus emphazises its pioneering role on the way to individual mobility with local zero-emissions in cities and urban areas.

First Milestones in 2007 and 2008

Since 2007, the smart brand has taken a pioneering role in the electrification of drive systems. Back then, smart started emission-free driving under tough everyday conditions of city traffic in London. 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation have been in practical customer operation. The feedback from this project has been very positive and confirmed the high degree of maturity of this vehicle concept.

Just one year later, the company introduced the second generation with an even more advanced electric drive and an innovative, highly efficient lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries including higher performance, shorter charging times, a long life and high reliability. In addition, a smart fortwo electric drive can be charged at a regular household power outlet.

A story of success: The smart Plant in Hambach

The smart plant in Hambach was inaugurated in 1997. Since 1998, it has produced the smart fortwo, since 2007 in its current generation. In 2008, more than 800 employees of the plant and some further 800 people employed by seven system partners produced about 140,000 units of the smart fortwo. In September 2008, the brand celebrated its tenth anniversary along with the 1-millionth smart fortwo produced at the Hambach plant.

The Hambach plant has represented an innovative production concept since its beginning: The assembly line in the shape of a plus sign has been designed to optimally meet the demands of assembly and logistics and ensures highly efficient production processes. This principle enables the system partners to supply modules directly to the assembly line, which reduces transport and logistics efforts to a minimum and hereby also provides an advantage regarding ecological aspects. In addition, the environmentally friendly and cost effective paint shop, an energy concept with numerous savings opportunities and the construction principle of the vehicles ensure that the ecological product responsibility of the smart brand is translated into the production.

About smart

Environmental friendliness and contemporary functionality have been defining features of the smart fortwo ever since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then its innovative concept has combined sustainable, forward-looking technologies with individual urban mobility. With a length of just over two and a half meters (about 8.2 feet,) the extremely compact and fuel-efficient vehicle brings its occupants to their destination comfortably and safely. Its distintive design made smart an automotive lifestyle icon which shows that mobility, responsibility to the environment and joie de vivre are compatible with one another. The smart fortwo has established a class of its own.

Today, smart is present in 41 markets around the globe, with most recent market launches in China and Brazil. Germany, Italy, and the U.S. are key markets. For me, I may just skip waiting for the diesel smart arriving in the U.S. and wait for the electric smart instead.

Large-Scale Production of the smart fortwo Electric Drive to Begin in 2012 in Hambach is a post from: CleanCarTalk

From mid November 2009 the new smart fortwo electric drive will roll off the production line at the smart factory in Hambach, France. Unlike its predecessor, the electrically driven smart fortwo of the second generation is fitted with an innovative and highly efficient lithium-ion battery. It is housed in a space-saving position between the axles, which means that space is not compromised in any way in the intelligent two-seater vehicle. A 30 kW electric motor is fitted at the rear. This provides for good acceleration and high agility with 120 Newton meters or Nm (88.5 ft-lbs) of torque that are immediately available. The smart fortwo electric drive can be charged at any normal household socket. In Germany, a full battery charge costs approximately two euros and is sufficient for a range of around 135 kilometers (84 miles) – more than enough for city traffic. smart has made electric drive a practical alternative for zero-emission mobility in urban areas. The new smart fortwo electric drive is initially being leased to customers in Berlin and other cities in Europe and the USA who will subject the environmentally friendly trendsetter to intensive real-world testing in tough everyday conditions. From 2012 it will be available to anyone interested.

smart fortwo Electric Drive – Sustainability for Urban Mobility

Environmental friendliness and contemporary functionality have been defining features of the smart fortwo ever since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then its innovative concept has combined sustainable, forward-looking technologies with individual urban mobility. With a length of just over two and a half meters (8.2 feet) the extremely compact vehicle can also park perpendicular to the flow of traffic. In addition, the space-saving and environmentally friendly two-seater currently has the lowest fleet consumption and brings its occupants to their destination comfortably and safely. Its design is fresh, youthful, modern and yet sophisticated and has made it an automotive lifestyle icon which shows that mobility, responsibility to the environment and joie de vivre are compatible with one another. The smart fortwo has established a class of its own.

smart fortwo Electric Drive Offers Innovative Driving Fun

The new smart fortwo electric drive from the popular brand that will roll off the production line from mid November 2009 is a logical continuation of a very ambitious goal: the production of a well-engineered, attractive city car that has no local exhaust gas emissions i.e. a zero emission vehicle. smart started emission-free driving in the tough everyday conditions of city traffic in 2007 in London. Since then 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation have been in practical customer operation. The feedback from the UK capital has been very positive and confirms the high degree of maturity of this vehicle concept.

In 2008 smart presented the second generation smart fortwo electric drive, a more advanced electric drive with an innovative lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries including higher performance, shorter charging times, a long life and high reliability. Marc Langenbrinck, responsible for brand management at smart, says: “The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on a successful and accepted vehicle concept with character and inherent environmentally friendly characteristics. Its innovative electric battery drive makes it the perfect car for the city: it is agile, economical and climate-friendly. Motoring with zero local emissions in an urban environment has become a reality. This equates to driving fun with a clear conscience.”

Electric Drive Taken into Account in the Very First Concept

Electric drives have been part of the smart concept right from the start. The later integration of the components needed for electric drive was planned at a very early stage. For example, there is space for the battery in the underfloor between the axles where the tank is located in other smart models . The electric drive module does not limit the space available in the smart fortwo electric drive in any way; there is just as much interior and luggage compartment space as in a smart fortwo with a combustion engine.

Powerful Drive

A 30 kW magneto-electric motor is installed at the rear of the new smart fortwo electric drive and reacts immediately and without delay. Powerful torque of 120 Nm (88.5 ft-lbs) is immediately available. This results in a surprising amount of power when pulling away. The smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 – 60 km/h (37 mph) in 6.5 seconds – just as quickly as a gasoline model. Its maximum speed has been deliberately limited to 100 km/h (62 mph,) a suitable speed for the city. Thanks to the power characteristic of the electric motor, the smart fortwo electric drive needs just one single fixed gear ratio. There is no need for any gear changing – a major advantage in dense city traffic. To reverse, the engine’s direction of rotation changes.

The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is powered by a lithium-ion battery from Tesla Motors Inc. with capacity of 14 kWh. It is simple to charge at any fused 220 Volt socket.

A fully charged battery is sufficient for up to 135 kilometers of driving fun (NEDC, New European Driving Cycle). This range is more than enough for city traffic as studies have shown that cars drive an average of 30 – 40 kilometers (19 – 25 miles) per day in towns and cities. For this, the vehicle only needs to be charged for three hours. Plugging the car in overnight will fully recharge the battery.

Electronics Optimize the Battery Charge Status and Power Consumption

Special electronics ensure that all is well with the battery. The electronics also monitor the charging process and control the capacity display. The vehicle’s power electronics supply the electrical system with electric current from the battery via a DC/DC converter. In addition, they also control the heating and air conditioning, for example, to minimize the strain on the battery. Clever drivers can air condition their smart fortwo electric drive in advance as long as their vehicle is being charged at home – the long-standing dream of stationary cooling becomes a reality! No other car offers this comfortable option.

The new second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on the smart fortwo coupé/cabrio passion. As well as air conditioning with automatic temperature control all the equipment features of the popular passion equipment line are included. In addition to the battery indicator, an ammeter shows the consumption and the recuperated energy.

Very Low Costs

Based on German electricity prices it costs approximately two euros to drive the smart fortwo electric drive for 100 kilometers or 62 miles (even cheaper with off-peak electricity). This is less than the price of two liters of gasoline. Electric power is much cheaper in lots of countries. The maintenance costs are considerably lower than those of a smart with a combustion engine as the battery, motor and other components of the electric drive are maintenance-free.

In addition to the low running costs, there are further cost advantages in lots of countries and cities. For example, drivers of a smart fortwo electric drive are entitled to national subsidies, tax advantages or exemption from local toll charges such as the city center congestion charge in London.

smart fortwo Electric Drive in Major Cities in Europe and the USA

From the end of 2009 the smart fortwo electric drive will be delivered to selected leasing customers. Leases will be offered for a period of four years and 60,000 kilometers (37,300 miles.) The first vehicles are destined for the “e-mobility Berlin” project . Here, in cooperation with the energy provider RWE and with the support of the German government and the city of Berlin, Daimler is creating the conditions for running battery-driven vehicles with no local emissions. This includes setting up a network of electricity charging stations that enable intelligent communication between electric vehicles and the power network so that the battery can be charged when electricity is cheapest.

Further vehicles of the new generation smart fortwo electric drive will take to the roads of Hamburg, Paris, Rome, Milan, Pisa, Madrid and they will also be deployed in further projects in Europe. Some of the models will also go to cities in the USA.

There is already a very lively demand for the smart fortwo electric drive, and from 2012 it will be produced in large volumes as a normal part of the smart range and sold via the smart dealer network. This underlines the pioneering role of the car brand on the way to attractive individual mobility with zero local emissions in cities and urban population centers.

Second Generation smart fortwo Electric Drive Goes Into Series Production is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Though there’s still no progress on the availability of the smart fortwo diesel CDI in the U.S., I’m still keeping my faith. Until then though, here’s the latest news on smart fortwo cdi diesel cars.

For model year 2010 the smart fortwo cdi has been given a clear power boost, yet it remains just as economical and environmentally friendly as before. In future the state-of-the-art three-cylinder diesel engine will produce 21 percent more power and deliver approximately 18 percent more maximum torque. Although this extra power makes the popular two-seater car noticeably livelier, it does not affect its exemplary fuel consumption.

As before, it achieves 69 mpg (3.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometers – NEDC, New European Driving Cycle.) Furthermore, with CO2 emissions of 88 g/km it continues to assert its leading position as the CO2 champion. In addition, from model year 2010 all versions of the smart fortwo including the BRABUS variants will comply with the strict emission limits of the EU5 standard.

The smart fortwo enjoys the worldwide reputation of a car that is perfect for the times we live in. Thanks to its unique concept it takes up minimum road and parking space, boasts low fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions and combines mobility, ecology and joie de vivre in a unique way. For the new model year smart is uncompromisingly continuing its philosophy and making the smart fortwo even more environmentally friendly and attractive.

The most important change: the smart fortwo cdi with a length of 8.8 feet (2.69 meters) is redefining economy and driving fun. Its reengineered diesel engine now has an output of 40 kW/54 hp – seven kW or 21 percent more than its predecessor. Moreover, the new three-cylinder engine delivers maximum torque of 130 Newton meters (an increase of 18 percent). This makes the car that is brimming with lifestyle appeal even more agile and fun to drive. Thanks to the power boost it now sprints from 0 – 62 mph (0 – 100 km/h) in just 16.8 seconds. However, the increased performance does not affect the outstanding fuel consumption and emission figures of the trendy two-seater car. The combined fuel consumption still stands at 69 mpg and the extremely low CO2 emissions of just 88 g/km mean that the smart fortwo cdi is still the CO2 world champion among all production cars with combustion engines.

The 21 percent power increase is primarily realised through modified pistons in conjunction with adjusted injection and charge pressure parameters. Furthermore, thanks to the increased torque it was also possible to lengthen the gear ratios of the third and fourth gears by ten and eleven percent respectively, and to lower the shifting points in the automatic program. This reduces the rpm level in speed ranges used particularly frequently – with benefits in terms of fuel consumption and noise level. The smart fortwo cdi is equipped with a closed diesel particulate filter and emissions are below the limit values laid down in the EU5 standard.

Thanks to optimized engine and transmission management the gasoline models of the popular two-seater car also comply with the demanding EU5 exhaust gas standard. Not only does this help the environment – in many countries it entails clear tax advantages.

New contrast components in shiny pearl black, which further upgrade the interior of the smart fortwo, and a new folding armrest available as an option, provide for increased comfort.

Further optional equipment includes the smart hands-free system with a color display and extensive multimedia functions. It features the sassy design typical of the brand, a Bluetooth® interface, voice control and optional iPod® connection and is perfectly integrated in the vehicle electronics and the audio system. It is simple and safe to operate via a wireless controller on the center console.

All updated smart fortwo variants can be ordered now (except for U.S. I guess.) The prices for the gasoline models are unchanged. In future the 40 kW/54 hp smart fortwo cdi will cost US$ 16,749 (€11 790, May 2009 exchange) as a coupé in the pure equipment line (German price incl. VAT).

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smart fortwo cdi: 21 Percent More Power, Still the CO2 Champion is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Note to readers: Beware of scams already popping up to take advantage of the CARS of “cash for clunkers” program. Never give out personal information on a website, especially your social security number. Your only trusted source should be www.cars.gov.

Updated 07-21-09. President Barack Obama has signed a law for a scrappage incentive for old cars based on the European model, which draws the attention of car buyers to the smart fortwo. In future, Americans who trade their old car for the two-seater with its exemplary environmental credentials will receive the maximum premium from the state.

Buyers of new cars will receive a maximum scrappage bonus of $4,500 in future (currently the equivalent of around €3,200) when they exchange a gas-guzzling old car for an environmentally friendly new one. Unlike the German system, the Car Allowance Rebate System (Cars) – commonly called “cash for clunkers” plans for a sliding scale with the amount of the bonus depending on the fuel consumption of the new vehicle. smart fortwo buyers will always receive the maximum premium – irrespective of the old car being scrapped. The innovative smart concept with its outstanding fuel efficiency therefore presents a further attractive advantage to customers in the USA.

According to the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the smart fortwo is America’s most fuel-efficient car without hybrid drive. The US authority confirms independent European studies that had previously established the clever two-seater as the most economical car. In addition, the smart already exceeds US standards for fleet consumption (CAFE = Corporate Average Fuel Economy) that will apply from 2020 and it has been classified as an ultra-low emission vehicle by the California Air Resources Board on account of its extremely low exhaust-emission figures.

The EPA has listed the smart fortwo as the top two-seater class for fuel economy for the 2009 model year.

CleanFleetReport.com has the smart on its list of New Cars that Already Meet 2016 Fuel Economy Standards.

Thanks to its outstanding features and its fresh design that combines functionality with joie de vivre, the smart fortwo has become a sought-after city car in many countries. smart fortwo models take up an unrivaled amount of road and parking space and yet they bring two people including luggage to their destination extremely comfortably and safely. smart provides lots of unique answers to questions concerning individual and eco-friendly urban mobility.

See the smart fortwo $99 program details.

Cash For Clunkers: smart fortwo Gets Maximum Incentive is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Note to readers: Beware of scams already popping up to take advantage of the CARS of “cash for clunkers” program. Never give out personal information on a website, especially your social security number. Your only trusted source should be www.cars.gov.

Updated 07-28-09. The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS,) or “Cash For Clunkers” program as some in the press like to call it, is the federal program that helps consumers purchase a new, more efficient vehicle when an older, less efficient vehicle is traded in. All transactions made on or after July 1, 2009 are eligible under the CARS program, and many dealers have already registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to offer these credits directly to consumers.

The credit received by consumers will not be treated as reportable income for tax purposes. In other words, it is tax-free. Dealers, on the other hand, will have to report it as an income.

The Facts

Here’s a quick run-down of important things about the CARS program you should know, from the government’s official website www.cars.gov:

• Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
• Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
• Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less miles per gallon or mpg (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements)
• Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
• You don’t need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase
• Program runs through Nov 1, 2009 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
• The program requires the disposal of your eligible trade-in vehicle and that the dealer disclose to you an estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in. The scrap value, however minimal, will be in addition to the rebate, and not in place of the rebate.

Here are some specific requirements of the CARS program:

• Your trade-in vehicle must
  • have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade it in
  • have a “new” combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less. Use this site http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm to find your car’s combined city/highway fuel economy. It’s the red mpg number under the red banner “Estimated New EPA MPG” in the graphic below. UPDATED 07-28-09: You now need to find your eligibility here: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/CarsSearchIntro.shtml
  • be in drivable condition
  • be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year preceding the trade-in
  • The trade-in vehicle must have been manufactured not earlier than 25 years before the date of trade in and, in the case of a category 3 vehicle, must also have been manufactured not later than model year 2001
  • Work trucks and cargo vans have different requirements
• Consumers can either buy or lease a new car, as long as the lease period is at least for 5 years. Used cars are eligible.
• Both domestic and foreign made cars are eligible.
• The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the new car cannot exceed $45,000.
• New passenger cars to be purchased must have combined fuel economy of 22 mpg; Category 1 or class 1 trucks (up to 6,000 lbs GVWR, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating,) 18 mpg; Category 2 trucks (6,001 to 10,000 lbs,) 15 mpg; and Category 3 trucks (10,001 to 14,000 lbs), no specific minimum mpg requirements but other restrictions apply.
• The law requires your trade-in vehicle to be scraped (destroyed.)

The Upsides

So what are the amounts of the credit and how are they determined. Purchasers of new qualified cars are eligible to receive either $3,500 or $4,500 credit.

• $3,500 credit. Consumers receive this amount if the new car’s combined mpg is at least 4, but less than 10 mpg, higher than the old car’s.
• $4,500 credit. Consumers receive this amount if the new car’s combined mpg is at least 10 mpg higher than the old car’s.

I’m sure many consumers will jump on this deal because these are some very attractive discounts on top of any other discounts, incentives and special offers made available by dealers and manufacturers. Expect dealer showrooms to have increased traffic between now and November 1. Also expect to see fewer polluting cars on the roads.

The Downsides

So is there a downside to this law? I can think of at least a couple.

One, low income people won’t be benefitting from the Cash for Clunkers program because they can’t afford a new car anyway. Not surprisingly, they are the largest population driving clunkers.

Two, the charity industry (which is very active in the older car sales and auction trade) will probably lose out because traded in cars (all of which are still operational by law) will all head for the scrap yards. As environmentally undesirable as they are, some poor families can still use them to maintain their livelihood. So again the poor lose out.

For  the latest information on the CARS program, follow this link to view helpful Q&As for consumers.

By the way the smart fortwo also qualifies for this “cash for clunkers” program.

Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) or Cash For Clunkers Program Kicking Into Gear is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Fuel economy battle between Toyota Prius, Jetta TDI, Ford Focus and smart fortwo. The comparison was conducted in what looks like hot dry summer weather of Southern California and Las Vegas, NV. While the test itself looks to have been carried out fairly and professionally, I think the video missed it entirely in its final call on the conclusion. Watch the video and I’ll discuss the results below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46nMnCt75qI

Stage One – Back Roads Results (334 miles @ 50-65 mph)

1. VW Jetta TDI – 47.3 mpg
2. Toyota Prius – 46.0 mpg
3. smart fortwo – 43.9 mpg
4. Ford Focus – 36.9 mpg

Stage Two – City Driving Results (132 miles, stop and go)

1. Toyota Prius – 52.4 mpg 
2. smart fortwo – 34.0 mpg
3. VW Jetta TDI – 32.6 mpg 
4. Ford Focus – 23.6 mpg

Stage Three – Highway Driving Results (209 miles @ 75 mph, one pit stop)

1. VW Jetta TDI – 48.9 mpg  
2. Toyota Prius – 47.7 mpg 
3. smart fortwo – 40.0 mpg
4. Ford Focus – 37.5 mpg

Lowest Cost Per Mile Calculation (the video defines it as average overall fuel economy divided by total cost of fuel consumed, which does not make any sense, then shows this tabulated result, which is really total cost comparison; and the overall mpg numbers are irrelevant in this table). So I added the real cost per mile calculation to the right of the arrow based on the total miles driven of 675 miles.

1. Toyota Prius – $53.32 @ 47.7 mpg –> $0.079 per mile
2. VW Jetta TDI – $66.37 @ 40.0 mpg –> $0.097 per mile
3. smart fortwo – $66.66 @ 43.8 mpg –> $0.099 per mile
4. Ford Focus – $75.96 @ 33.3 mpg –> $0.113 per mile

Relative Green House Gas Emissions

1. Toyota Prius – 0.18 tons 
2. VW Jetta TDI – 0.19 tons
3. smart fortwo – 0.22 tons
4. Ford Focus – 0.26 tons

I would disagree with Edmunds, the video producer, that there is no overall winner. Because the video’s goal was to find out which car is the most fuel-efficient as introduced in the beginning, we do have a clear winner in the Toyota Prius at 47.7 mpg. It seems Edmunds forgot what the goal of the comparison was.

Additionally, I would also draw the following observations and conclusions:

• The Toyota Prius is never ranked below a 2 in all the test, regardless of drive cycle.
• The Jetta TDI is ranked mostly 1 or 2, with once in slot number 3.
• The smart fortwo ranks 4 times in slot 3, and only once in slot number 2.
• The Ford Focus is last in number 4 in all stages.

So again, if we look at the overall data and results, the winners in standing order are clear:

1. Toyota Prius.
2. Jetta TDI.
3. smart fortwo.
4. Ford Focus.

In the end, since each of us has different needs, additional weighting factors will need to be applied in order for individuals to select the best car for their own use. When you factor in purchase price, brand name, prestige and coolness as part of the buying decision, fuel economy may not be the strongest factor to influence sale of a particular model. This is why many car ads and commercials show cool-looking people driving cool-looking cars doing cool-looking (and dangerous) things.

So what is your opinion on this fuel economy comparison? How likely are you to buy a new vehicle based purely on its fuel economy numbers? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

2008 Fuel Economy Comparison: Prius vs Jetta vs Focus vs Smart is a post from: CleanCarTalk

This is a collection of interesting smart fortwo cdi diesel cars on YouTube. New videos will be added as I find them.

E-Mobility Brings Electric Cars to Berlin. (2:33)
Sept 08 – With e-mobility Berlin, Daimler AG and RWE AG launched the worlds largest joint project for environmentally friendly electric cars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyYn9qH_Nd0

Very cold start Smart CDI turbodiesel. (2:18)
3 January 2008, -26°c. The car is stop in the yard since 2 days. CDI diesel technologie is so “Smart”!!!

1000 Km in the Smart fortwo CDI. (4:14)
The Smart fortwo needs only 33 liter in 1000 Km. Driving 15000 km a year, the Smart driver only has to visit the pumps 15 times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VAXWrNojlw

SMART ForTwo CDI – Auto Video. (1:57)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9Wb14jnBYY

200 000 km. (2:29)
Reflecting on the first few years of owning a smart fortwo cdi, just before rolling over 200 000 km. Amazing machine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MBFdHiQeMQ

A collection of YouTube videos of smart fortwo cdi cars is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Based on information available on the official smartusa.com site, U.S. markets won’t get a diesel version yet for 2009 model year. I’m a little disappointed. It’s one of the reasons I’m holding out from buying a first U.S. smart model. I was so looking forward to a smart powered by Mercedes’ Bluetec technology.

According to the company, the 2009 models will introduce 2 new colors which are to replace 2 existing colors. The new sporty and intense “rally red” and cool and elegant “gray metallic” will replace the 2008 “light yellow” and “red metallic” colors. Existing owners will be glad to learn that the 2008 colors will still be available as replacement panels or full bodypanel kits. For the interior minor enhancements will be incorporated including new door nets replacing solid storage areas on driver and passenger doors, and the LCD display on the instrument cluster will have a loose gas cap warning added. For me both are very minor changes, and for all intent and purposes, you’re buying pretty much the same car.

I guess we’re lucky that the smart fortwos are here in the states finally. It will take some time for things to pick up, and from a business standpoint, you have to sell the mass first. So I’m willing to wait out another year and see. Guess I’ll continue checking the rumor sites.

Follow this link to view my collection of YouTube videos of smart fortwo cdi cars.

No Diesel Version For 2009 smart fortwo is a post from: CleanCarTalk